by Grace Kosowsky

The annual Adaptive Sports New England track meet has finally arrived. The early morning sun illuminates the track, which is lined with athletes making their final race preparations. As they warm-up their muscles, adjust equipment, and secure hip and helmet numbers, officials, coaches, volunteers and spectators make their way to their positions along the track and stands. Palpable energy and anticipation fill the track as athletes file onto the start line and the starter raises the gun, ready to commence a dynamic morning of Para track.

The 2025 Adaptive Sports New England Track Meet will be held on June 21 at Braintree High School starting at 9:00 AM. Importantly, the race is designed to support Para track athletes of all experience levels. The event offers a welcoming introduction to racing for novice athletes while still providing more experienced athletes with a high level of competition and an opportunity to qualify for the Hartford Nationals conducted by Move United. 

The event not only introduces novice athletes to racing, but provides them with an important opportunity to learn from more experienced participants and professionals. In fact, many youth wheelchair racers and families have emphasized the valuable technical insights gained by simply observing how older athletes position themselves in and control their racing chairs. Additionally, this year we will have a group of professional wheelchair racers attending the meet to support the younger athletes.  The pros will be in town for the following day’s Boston 10K race hosted by the Boston Athletic Association.

Event planning and execution is supported by the collaborative efforts of Adaptive Sports New England staff, event partners, and skilled Para track officials. These groups partner to coordinate all aspects of the race, including registration, equipment, volunteers, and meet timing and results, with the goal of creating a seamless race day for athletes and coaches.

Support from event partners is particularly crucial to the success of the race. This year’s partners include: The Martin Richard Foundation, the Boston Athletic Association, Achilles International, and Franciscan’s Children Hospital.

Ultimately, the collaboration of numerous adaptive sports professionals translates to a unique, inclusive event that unites a variety of youth and adult Para track athletes from New England and surrounding states. With final preparations underway and less than a month to the race, the countdown to the event is on. We encourage athletes with Paralympic-eligible impairments to join us for a great morning of racing!